Ex-burger King Owner Defaults On Tax Bills

A former owner of Burger King restaurants in Franklin, Chesapeake and Isle of Wight who was found guilty last year of failing to pay meals taxes has fallen into trouble again.

Samina Azhar closed six restaurants in October 2008, leaving behind more than 100 employees who had not been paid for weeks. She bounced employee paychecks and failed to pay some vendors while living in an upscale golf course community.

The restaurants that closed for business more than a year ago have reopened under new management - providing jobs and collecting taxes.

Azhar pleaded guilty last year to charges of not paying food taxes and agreed to a repayment schedule in order to avoid an 80-day jail sentence. She is still in default, however, in the cities of Franklin, Smithfield and Suffolk.

Treasurers from all three localities have turned over the defaulted accounts to their city or town attorneys for collection.

Azhar owes nearly $10,000 in Smithfield and more than $30,000 in Suffolk. The largest tax amount is due to Franklin. According to city records, Azhar owes more than $60,000 there. The city hasn't received a payment since October.

City Attorney Taylor Williams will be asking the court to show cause why she can't pay or send Azhar to jail.